Unhealthy vs. Healthy Coping
What’s one example of an unhealthy coping skill?
Avoiding problems, lashing out, or bottling emotions.
Your friend said something that upset you. What is a healthy thing you can do before responding?
Take a deep breath and calm yourself down
What’s the first step to managing strong emotions?
Identify and name the emotion
What's a healthy way to express anger to someone?
Explain how you are feeling and why you are feeling that way using "I" statments
What is one boundary you can set in a relationship?
Saying "no" or asking them to stop doing something that upsets you
How can you recognize when a coping skill isn’t working?
It makes you feel worse instead of helping you feel better
An "I" statement (I feel ___ because ___)
When you’re angry, what can you do before reacting?
Take a few deep breaths or count to ten.
What are a couple things you can do if you feel so angry you might lose control?
Remove yourself from the situation, take a couple deep breaths, enage in an activity or hobby that helps calm you down
What is a sign that a relationship is not healthy?
Constant criticism, control, or disrespect.
What are some healthy ways to cope with negative emotions?
Go for a walk or run, journal, listen to music
When a conflict gets very heated and both you and the other person are not able to hear each other out, what should you do?
Take a step back and continue the conversation when you are able to hear them out
What’s one physical way to calm your body?
Go for a walk, stretch, go for run
Why is recognizing your triggers important?
It helps you prepare, manage reactions, and avoid unhealthy outbursts
Why is it important to communicate your boundaries clearly?
It helps others understand your needs and builds mutual respect
Why might someone use unhealthy coping skills even if they know better?
They bring quick relief, are habits, or feel easier in the moment
What is an unhealthy way to approach an argument/conflict?
Yelling, screaming or ignoring
Why is it okay to cry?
It helps release emotional tension and stress
What can anger teach you about your needs?
It can show what’s important to you or when your boundaries are crossed
What’s a sign that you might be crossing someone’s boundary?
They seem uncomfortable, frustrated, or tell you to stop
What’s an example of turning an unhealthy coping skill into a healthy one?
Instead of yelling take a deep breath
Instead of throwing something remove yourself from the situation
What is assertive communication?
Expressing your needs calmly and respectfully without aggression
What’s an example of expressing anger safely?
Writing about it, talking calmly, or exercising
What’s the difference between assertive and aggressive communication?
Assertive = respectful and clear
Aggressive = forceful or disrespectful.
What does it mean to respect someone’s boundaries?
Listening when they say no, and not pressuring or crossing their limits